22 Dec Celebrating the Season: Booker T. Holidays 2023
This holiday season, our Center is bustling with the festive spirit of our annual Harvest Fest and Winter Fest celebrations! With joy and warmth in the air, we cherish every opportunity to create a safe space for our community to make meaningful connections while meeting the needs of our neighbors who may be in need of a healthy meal, essential supplies such as diapers and wipes, family gifts to bring a smile to their children’s faces, or maybe just a warm smile.These gatherings become more than just festive occasions, they become avenues for compassion and support.
As we conclude the year and gear up for a fresh start in 2024, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the highlights of this year’s Harvest Fest and Winter Fest celebrations.
Harvest Fest: A Bounty of Unity & Community
Our third annual Harvest Fest was a vibrant celebration of autumn’s abundance. Families and communities gathered for a day filled with laughter and unity. We had family fun with different crafts, activities, and a delicious, soulful meal. We also had raffles and giveaways, like multiple hams and pies, gift cards and healthy snacks.
Thank you to our Academy of Arts University, USF students and UCSF nurse volunteers!
Winter Fest: A Wellness, Winter Wonderland
Our 3rd annual Winter Fest was nothing short of magical this year, as we transformed our space into a winter wonderland of joy and community spirit with over 500+ people in attendance, and special appearances by the San Francisco Fire Department (thank you for the free fire hats!) and Santa Claus himself!
Also in attendance, San Francisco Mayor, London Breed, warmly greeted our community members, handed out toys and and gave praise to the Center staff and volunteers.
The event kicked off with a delicious meal provided by our incredible community partners, Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement, Panaderia Matilija and Three Babes Bakeshop. Attendees enjoyed their meal while enjoying music by talented saxophonist, Ashley Jemison!
We held our Wellness Clinic for COVID-19 boosters and flu-shots, and distributed giveaway bags for every visitor, which included an assortment of specialty fruit like tangerines and pomegranates, KN95 masks, self-care and hygiene kits, and delicious treats. In Ms. Julia’s classroom, attendees had the opportunity to make their own flower centerpieces using a beautiful array of holly, tulips, and winter foliage provided by our very own Food Justice Program Manager (and resident florist), Juanita!
Santa’s Workshop was brimming with gifts for the whole family, including kitchen appliances for easier meal prep, clothes, and a plethora of toys for kids of all ages and interests. Thanks to 49ers LEAD and the Inclusion and Culture Team, and SF Giants, volunteers! We also offered everyone a free book who received a gift from Santa’ Workshop thanks to SF Public Library!
With an abundance of gratitude for our successful Winter Fest, we thank our sponsors and community partners.
We want to thank the Verizon Foundation as our premier sponsor – making our dreams come true with critical support for our holiday programs! We want to send deep gratitude to our community partners – Collective Impact, Mo Magic, African American Art & Culture Complex, SF Department of Public Health, SF Department of Children, Youth and their Families, and SF Human Rights Commission’s Dream Keeper Initiative for your generosity and commitment.
A Tapestry of Community Connection
Our Community Partners: Collective Impact’s Mo Magic, African American Art & Culture Complex, Dream Keeper, and our event sponsor, Verizon, supported us in hosting these events for our community!
The fall festivities at Booker T. weave a rich tapestry of community connection. These events exemplify the Center’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, and stand as a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the enduring spirit of community. As we embrace the changing seasons, let us reflect on the importance of coming together, supporting one another, and sowing the seeds of a vibrant and interconnected community.
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